Police board recommends 7.3-per-cent budget hike

Waterloo Region Record

WATERLOO REGION — Waterloo Region’s police services board approved a $9.2-million budget hike Wednesday, but the number of sworn officers in the force will still shrink this year for the first time in the organization’s 40-year history.

In order to afford increased wages, benefits and pension premiums that eat up nearly $7 million of the proposed increase, the force will lose the full-time equivalent of eight experienced constables through attrition.

“This is as responsible a budget as we can put forward given the times, trying to find that balance,” board chair Tom Galloway told board members.

The budget allows for the hiring of 10 civilians, including four special constables destined to staff the new consolidated courthouse in Kitchener.

“Looking for some efficiencies, we’re hopeful that we’re going to be able to keep and maintain the level of service we’re providing. What we won’t drop is the quality of service,” Torigian said.

Galloway said it would be the first time in his 12 years on the board where the force would shrink, but said that because 15 officers were hired in December, the force will be still larger in 2013 than it was in 2011.

Regional council is scheduled to vote on the police budget on Jan. 16.